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Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy, ALAN, Numeracy Key Skills

Skills for Life

Many schools are now offering the Adult literacy and Adult numeracy (ALAN) qualifications to their learners as an alternative or complimentary qualifications to GCSE in maths and English. ALAN are sometimes referred to as Adult Basic Skills, but can be taken by learners of any age. They are available at three levels: Entry 1, 2 and 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

At Levels 1 and 2 the qualifications are assessed through the national test for application of number (AON) for numeracy. Each of these tests can be taken on-screen.
There is no requirement for learners to complete a portfolio of evidence for any of the ALAN qualifications. The tests, at all levels, are based on the National Standards for literacy and numeracy.

Key Skills assess how well you do at the skills you need to get on in life. There are six of them all together - Communications, Application of numbers and Using ICT are the main ones.

In Application of Number, there are four levels. Level 1 covers the general mathematical skills that might be needed for a student studying for a Foundation GNVQ. At the other end of the spectrum, Level 4 covers the skills that might be needed to study for a qualification such as HND or a degree.

If you haven't got GCSE A* - C in Maths then you should aim for at least level 2. If you have got these grades, you should be thinking about aiming for level 3. You don't have to be able to do A level Maths to do level 3 Application of Number.

The assessment is in two parts. A test, which is externally set and marked, covering the underpinning skills and also a portfolio. This will usually comprise one or two assignments.